Local News
Mass Casualty Incident: 4 Dead, 2 Critically Injured in Seven-Vehicle Crash on I-20 in Kaufman County
TERRELL, Texas — A devastating multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 near Terrell in Kaufman County has resulted in a mass casualty incident, prompting the closure of both directions of the highway for several hours.
According to the Terrell Volunteer Fire Department, the collision occurred on I-20 westbound and involved at least seven vehicles, including multiple 18-wheelers and passenger cars.
Emergency responders confirmed that four individuals have died, two others sustained critical injuries, and several additional victims were injured and treated on scene.
Two of the critically injured patients were airlifted to nearby trauma centers for advanced medical care.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced that I-20 will remain closed for several hours as emergency crews conduct rescue operations, clear wreckage, and begin their investigation into the cause of the crash. Estimated reopening times are:
- Eastbound lanes expected to reopen around 9:30 p.m.
- Westbound lanes expected to reopen around 10:30 p.m.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area, seek alternate routes, and expect significant delays in and around the crash site.
The crash has prompted a massive response involving local fire departments, EMS, air medical crews, and law enforcement agencies.
Officials have not yet released the names of the victims, and the circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Community members have been asked to keep all those involved—victims, families, and first responders—in their thoughts during this difficult time.
Local News
Chrisman High School Baseball Player Bentley Wolfe Dies After Being Struck by Line Drive During Practice
A 15-year-old Illinois high school student and baseball player has died after being struck by a line drive during team practice, an incident that has deeply shaken his school and local community.
The teenager, Bentley Wolfe, was a sophomore at Chrisman High School in Chrisman.
According to officials, the accident occurred on Monday, March 2, while Wolfe was participating in baseball practice with his teammates.
Authorities said Wolfe was struck in the head by a line drive during the practice session.
He was initially treated at a local medical facility before his condition worsened, prompting doctors to transfer him the following day to OSF HealthCare St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria for specialized care.
According to Jamie Harwood, the Peoria County Coroner’s Office confirmed that Wolfe remained in critical condition after the transfer. Despite extensive medical treatment and lifesaving efforts by doctors, Wolfe was declared brain dead on Friday, March 6.
An autopsy later determined that his death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head, the coroner said.
In the days following his passing, Wolfe’s family honored his life through an honor walk ceremony, a tradition often held to recognize organ donors.
In a message shared on social media, his mother said Bentley “successfully created his last mission here on earth” by donating several organs, including his heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and pancreas, potentially saving multiple lives.
The tragic accident has had a profound impact on the small community, where classmates, teammates, teachers, and residents have come together to mourn the loss of the young athlete.
Many have also expressed compassion for the teammate involved in the practice play, acknowledging the emotional toll such an accident can have on everyone present.
Community members continue to offer prayers and support for Bentley Wolfe’s family, as well as for his teammates and coaches who are coping with the devastating loss.